How to Fix A Washing Machine Making Noise During the Spin Cycle?
Often, the problem isn't with the machine itself, but with how it was installed or where it sits.
**A. Remove Transit Bolts (Crucial for New Machines)**
If your washing machine is new or recently moved, check the back panel. Transit bolts are shipping bolts designed to secure the drum during transport. If they are not removed before use, the drum cannot move freely, leading to violent shaking and loud noises. This is one of the most common causes of spin cycle noise and can permanently damage the machine if left in place .
**B. Level the Machine**
An unlevel washing machine will vibrate excessively and "walk" across the floor, creating significant banging. Use a spirit level on top of the machine to check if it is level from front to back and side to side .
- Adjust the four leveling feet at the bottom: You can usually raise or lower them by turning them (often with a spanner) .
- After adjustment, push the machine diagonally from corner to corner. If it rocks, the feet are not all in firm contact with the floor, and you need to adjust them further until the machine is completely stable .
**C. Secure Hoses**
Check the drain and water inlet hoses at the back of the machine. If they are loose, they can vibrate and knock against the back panel during the high-speed spin cycle, creating a banging noise . Ensure they are securely fitted and perhaps use a cable tie to keep them from moving.
### Step 2: Check the Laundry Load (The Most Common Operational Cause)
If the installation is correct, the noise is likely due to the laundry itself.
**A. Unbalanced Load**
An unbalanced load is the primary cause of banging during the spin cycle. When heavy, water-logged items (like towels, duvets, or blankets) clump together on one side, the drum spins unevenly, causing the machine to vibrate and knock against its housing .
- **The Fix:** If you hear the noise, pause the cycle, open the door, and redistribute the items evenly around the drum. Avoid washing a single, heavy item; if you must, add a couple of towels to help balance the load .
**B. Overloading or Underloading**
Both extremes can cause problems.
- **Overloading:** If the drum is packed too tightly, clothes cannot tumble freely, leading to an imbalance.
- **Underloading:** A single item, or just a couple, may not be enough weight to allow the machine to balance itself, which can also lead to vibration . The tub should ideally be about **2/3 full** so laundry can move freely .
**C. Small Items and Foreign Objects**
Grinding or rattling noises often indicate a trapped item. Small objects like coins, keys, buttons, or the wire from an underwired bra can slip through the drum holes and get lodged in the pump or between the drum and the outer tub .
- **Check the drum:** Stop the machine and carefully feel around the drum for any small objects that might be caught.
- **Clean the Drain Filter:** The drain pump is a common spot for obstructions. Locate the filter (usually behind a small panel at the front bottom of the machine) and clean it out. Be prepared for some water to spill out .
### Step 3: Understand Normal vs. Abnormal Noises
Not all noises are a sign of trouble. It's normal to hear :
- A low humming from the motor.
- Sloshing sounds from the water.
- Gentle clicking when the cycle changes or the door locks.
A sudden, loud, or persistent noise—especially one that is new—warrants investigation.
### Step 4: When to Call a Professional
If you have gone through all the steps above and the noise persists, the problem could be mechanical. A constant rumbling or roaring that gets louder with the spin speed often indicates worn-out drum bearings . Other potential mechanical issues include broken suspension springs or a loose drive belt. These problems require a qualified appliance repair technician, as attempting to fix them yourself can be dangerous and complex . Ignoring the noise and continuing to use a faulty machine can lead to much more expensive damage down the line.